Suygetsu puts on a Controller masterclass as FPX beat Fnatic 2-1 in the Masters 2 Copenhagen lower bracket semi-final.
FunPlus Phoenix capped off their first match in front of a LAN crowd by beating Fnatic 2-1. FPX will now be moving on to the Lower Bracket final to face OpTic Gaming, after finally snapping their 4-match losing streak against their EMEA rivals.
FPX is the last hope of EMEA at Masters 2 Copenhagen
Despite losing their map pick Split in the first game 15-13, FPX always looked like the more dangerous of the two teams. Fnatic had some good moments, particularly on Split. With Enzo "Enzo" Mestari showing off his impressive clutch potential to help Fnatic to win that map.
Unfortunately, as the series progressed that clutch factor wasn't enough on its own. And, more worryingly, their star duo of Nikita "Derke" Sirmitev and Emir Ali "Alfajer" Beder really struggled to make much of an impact in the series. An issue which has plagued Fnatic all tournament long. Whereas everyone on FPX was firing on all cylinders.
Whether it was the duo of Dmitry "Suygetsu" Ilyushin and Pontus "Zyppan" Eek getting in their opponent's faces on maps 1 and 2, or Ardis "Ardiis" Svarenieks coming out on top against Derke in the Chamber battle, FPX just seemed to be an insurmountable hurdle for Fnatic this time around. A stark contrast to their match in the first round of the knockout stages.
As a result of their win, FunPlus Phoenix will be going up against OpTic Gaming in the Lower Bracket final. While they have certainly achieved more than some thought possible by securing a Top 3 finish, at minimum, at the first Masters event, the task before will be just as daunting. And as they prepare to face-off against the Masters 1 Champions, who have had their fair share of inconsistencies, it seems as though the odds might be finally tipping in FPX's favor in Copenhagen. Especially if the Copenhagen crowd rallies behind the last hope for EMEA at this tournament.
The Suygetsu factor strikes again
While just about everyone on FPX's roster got in amongst the highlights, it was Suygetsu who once again managed to steal the spotlight. Since his return to the starting lineup, following visa-related issues, FPX has looked much more of a threat at Masters 2.
The ever-impressive Controller made some outstanding plays across all three maps. His aggressive play style paired with his excellent utility usage made him a handful for Fnatic. And he certainly made his pressence known as he finished the match with an overwhelming 71 kills. Culminating with an equally impressive +31 overall K/D. So it came as no surprise to see Suygetsu being named the match MVP.